US citizens who hold valid US, UK, or Schengen visas for tourist or business purposes can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport in Saudi Arabia.1 However, some conditions must be met to be eligible for a visa on arrival.
These conditions are:2
- A completed application form
- Passport valid for a minimum of six months
- Health insurance from a Saudi Arabian provider (options will be presented during Enjaz form processing)
- Proof of accommodation for the entire stay in Saudi Arabia
- Visa fees (SAR 300) and insurance (SAR 140), equivalent to $123 USD, allowing a visa validity of up to one year with a maximum 90-day stay per entry and multiple entries
- Applicants must be 18 or older unless accompanied by a legal guardian
- Round Trip ticket and travel itinerary
- Proof of employment
- Financial solvency/bank statement
- Comprehensive personal information, including the applicant’s U.S. home address
Applicants should be aware of the following:
- Visa fees are non-refundable in case of rejection
- Corrections for errors in provided information must be made through the website, not the embassy
- Applicants obtaining visas at Saudi ports of entry should carry international credit cards usable outside their home country
- Visas at ports of entry are only available to citizens of countries in Group 1.
If you meet all of these conditions, you can apply for a visa on arrival at any of the following entry points into Saudi Arabia:
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
- King Khalid International Airport (DMM)
- Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED)
- Abha Regional Airport (AHB)
- Taif Regional Airport (TUU)
- Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU)
- Yanbu Regional Airport (YNB)
If you’re a U.S. citizen, we strongly recommend applying for a Saudi e-visa online rather than opting for a visa on arrival. This choice eliminates common visa complications and provides a simplified, user-friendly process, ensuring peace of mind. Visas for Future offers convenient and reliable visa processing services. Our e-visa processing service will deliver your Saudi Arabia Tourist E-Visa and mandatory health insurance to your mailbox within three days.
What We’re Offering
Skip the uncertainty and hassle of visa on arrival. As a US citizen, you can now secure your entry to Saudi Arabia’s wonders effortlessly with the convenient Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa. Our e-visa processing service ensures the issuance of your Tourist E-Visa and mandatory health insurance, which will be delivered to your mailbox within three days. Saudi Arabia eVisa will allow you to enter Saudi Arabia and participate in tourism-related activities such as events, family & relatives visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj) and excludes other activities such as studying.
- It is 90 days in duration.3
- It is Multiple entry.4
- It costs $214.82 fee including the government fee and the mandatory health insurance.
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Saudi Arabia visa on arrival
A visa on arrival (VOA) is a type of visa that is issued to travelers at the port of entry of a country.5 This means that you do not need to apply for a visa in advance, but can instead apply for it when you arrive at the airport or border crossing.
Holders of a US, UK or Schengen visa are eligible for a Saudi e-visa upon arrival, as long as the other visa is still valid and it has been used at least once to travel to the respective country/area.6
Application procedure for Saudi Arabia visa on arrival
When you arrive in Saudi Arabia:
- Go to the Visa on Arrival counter: Find the specific counter for a visa on arrival at the airport or land border where you enter the country.
- Fill out the Application Form: Complete the online application form with accurate details, including personal information, passport details, and the purpose of your visit.
- Submit your documents: Give the immigration officer your passport, current visa, return flight ticket, proof of funds, and any other necessary papers.
- Pay the visa and insurance fees: Use a credit card or debit card to pay the required visa and insurance fees.
- Provide fingerprints and take a photo: Give your fingerprints and have a photo taken for the visa processing.
- Wait for visa approval: The immigration officer will review your documents and decide whether to approve your visa. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
- Get your visa and continue: If your application is accepted, you’ll receive a visa sticker that allows you to enter Saudi Arabia.
What documents are US citizens required to present when arriving in Saudi Arabia?
Here is the list of documents needed for US citizens when arriving in Saudi Arabia:7
- A completed application form
- Passport valid for a minimum of six months
- Health insurance from a Saudi Arabian provider (options will be presented during Enjaz form processing)
- Proof of accommodation for the entire stay in Saudi Arabia
- Visa fees (SAR 300) and insurance (SAR 140), equivalent to $123 USD, allowing a visa validity of up to one year with a maximum 90-day stay per entry and multiple entries
- Applicants must be 18 or older unless accompanied by a legal guardian
- Round Trip ticket and travel itinerary
- Proof of employment
- Financial solvency/bank statement
- Comprehensive personal information, including the applicant’s U.S. home address
Types of Saudi Arabia Visas Eligible for US Citizens
US citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia can choose from different visa options based on their reasons for visiting. Here are some common types:
- Tourist Visa: For those visiting for leisure, allowing a temporary stay.
- Business Visa: Designed for business-related activities like meetings and negotiations.
- Work Visa: Required for those planning to work in Saudi Arabia, usually sponsored by the employer.
- Residence Visa: Necessary for individuals intending to live in Saudi Arabia for an extended period, often sponsored by an employer or a Saudi national.
- Umrah Visa: Specifically for those undertaking the pilgrimage of Umrah.
- Hajj Visa: Issued for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, typically during the designated Hajj season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Saudi visa on arrival for U.S. citizens?
The processing fee for a Saudi Arabia visa on arrival is SAR 300, equivalent to approximately USD 79.50.
Can I apply for a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia?
Your ability to apply for a visa on arrival (VOA) in Saudi Arabia depends on your citizenship.
Do U.S. citizens need Saudi visas?
Yes, US citizens do need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.
Can I get a Saudi visit visa online?
Yes, you can apply for a Saudi visit visa online with Visas for Future. Start your visa application by clicking here.
- The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (2024). Tourist Visa, Saudiembassy.net, Retrieved January 16, 2024, <https://www.saudiembassy.net/tourist-visa> [↩]
- The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (2024). Tourist Visa, Saudiembassy.net, Retrieved January 16, 2024, <https://www.saudiembassy.net/tourist-visa#:~:text=Note%3A%20U.S.%20visa%20holders%20and,been%20used%20at%20least%20once.&text=Health%20insurance%20must%20be%20purchased%20from%20the%20Kingdom%20of%20Saudi%20Arabia> [↩]
- Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia. (2024). Saudi EVisa, Visitsaudi.com, Retrieved January 16, 2024, <https://visa.visitsaudi.com/> [↩]
- Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia. (2024). Saudi EVisa, Visitsaudi.com, Retrieved January 16, 2024, <https://visa.visitsaudi.com/> [↩]
- Visit Saudi. (2023). Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements. Visitsaudi.com, Retrieved January 16, 2024, <https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/travel-regulations> [↩]
- The Official website for Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia. (2023c), Saudi eVisa, Visa.visitsaudi.com. Retrieved January 16, 2024,<https://visa.visitsaudi.com/> [↩]
- The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (2024). Tourist Visa, Saudiembassy.net, Retrieved January 16, 2024, <https://www.saudiembassy.net/tourist-visa> [↩]
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Cite this article
MLA Style
Diego, James Abel. "Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/can-us-citizens-get-visa-on-arrival-in-saudi-arabia/. Accessed on 20 August 2023.
Chicago Style
Diego, James Abel. "Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia?." Visas For Future. August 20, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/can-us-citizens-get-visa-on-arrival-in-saudi-arabia/.